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Toolbox 2017 edition - Quality of Public administration (14/11/2017)

The Toolbox aims to support, guide and encourage those who want to modernise public administrations in support of prosperous, fair and resilient societies. It is intended as a reference and resource by pointing readers to existing EU policies and international practices, illustrated by inspirational case studies.
The Toolbox 2017 edition is fully updated, building on user feedback and demand for more detailed information, as well as wider coverage of topics. It includes more recent policy developments and refreshed case studies.

Abridged version - The ABRIDGED version provides an overview of all themes, main messages and tools, including references to inspiring case examples in a single document

Introduction - The FULL version provides more elaborate content and the detailed case examples

This report concerns the ex post evaluation of the European Social Fund (ESF) in the 2007-2013 programming period. It contains a synthesis report, thematic and country reports and country fact sheets.

Simplified Cost Options in the European Social Fund - Promoting simplification and result-orientation (02/12/2016)

Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) change how we reimburse expenditure under ESF projects. Rather than paying on the basis of real costs backed up with invoices and receipts, we pay on the basis of pre-defined standard scales of unit costs, flat rate or lump sum payments. SCOs are proven to reduce the error rate for the programme and also to reduce the administrative burden for Member States and beneficiaries. They can also help put a greater focus on the outputs and results achieved.
This report reviews the current and planned take-up of SCOs. It summarises outcomes for the 2007-2013 period and the regulatory improvements on SCOs for the 2014-2020 period. It presents an overview of the planned implementation of SCOs during the current programming period, and the benefits that national authorities derive from them. Finally, it looks at what else needs to be done to increase the use of SCOs. The results represent the most comprehensive estimate available of the use of the SCOs in the ESF.

The EU Youth Employment Initiative - Investing in young people (25/11/2016)

This brochure describes how the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) supports measures aiming to reduce youth unemployment in the worst affected areas of the EU. It explains the relationship between the YEI and Youth Guarantee schemes, shows how the YEI complements other EU funding instruments such as the European Social Fund (ESF) and highlights the YEI’s achievements so far. The brochure also showcases a selection of the varied projects that are benefiting from YEI funding.

Study: The implementation of the performance frameworks in 2014-2020 ESI Funds (03/10/2016)

The performance framework (PF) and performance reserve have been included as compulsory elements in programmes in the 2014-2020 programming period of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds in order to ensure that programmes are kept on track to achieve their objectives and that progress can be adequately measured. This report provides a synthesis covering the manner in which the provisions relating to the PF and the performance reserve are reflected in all Partnership Agreements (PA), operational programmes (OP) under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Goal (IGJ) financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Cohesion Fund (CF), including multi-fund programmes co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), and the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) programmes financed by the ERDF.

Study: The implementation of the provisions in relation to the ex-ante conditionalities during the programming phase of the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds (03/10/2016)

The study reviews the implementation of the ex-ante conditionalities that were introduced in the Regulations of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds and were assessed through the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes developed to deliver those funds.

The evaluation report reviews a positive impact of active labour market policies on employment and of vocational training on youth. Eight ESF funded projects were chosen as pilot projects to measure the causal effects of European Social Fund policies and were discussed at a conference held in Brussels on 12 November 2015.

Study: The use of new provisions during the programming phase of the European Structural and Investment Funds (31/05/2016)

The analysis of all the 28 Partnership Agreements and of 292 operational and co-operation programmes for the 2014-2020 period financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Social Fund, completed with a survey of managing authorities and interviews at European, national and regional levels, revealed that the new regulatory framework has significantly altered the Member States’ approach to programming.

Background note: Support to asylum seekers under the European Social Fund and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (25/09/2015)

The objective of this note is therefore to clarify the scope of support which the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD) can provide to asylum seekers at different stages since their arrival in the Union. It also intends to clarify the differences between these two funds and other Union instruments that provide targeted support to asylum seekers, notably the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF), and provides guidance on how complementarities and synergies between the different funds can be achieved.

Guidance on Joint Action Plans (15/06/2015)

The purpose of this note is to provide Member States with guidance on the content, preparation and implementation of JAPs, as set out in Articles 104-109 of the CPR.

This guidance note specifically covers the situation where the Commission decides to exercise its prerogative to prepare a delegated act on the basis of data submitted for the consideration of the Commission by Member States under Article 14(1) Reg. (EU) 1304/2013.

Investing in people: EU funding for employment and social inclusion (28/07/2014)

Volume 7 of the Social Europe guide focuses on EU funding instruments used to help people into employment or out of poverty and social exclusion. The guide outlines the aims and objectives of four specific funds: the European Social Fund (ESF); the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD); the EU programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI); and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).

The implementation of simplified cost options with the ESF in Italy: a case study - ESF thematic paper (25/07/2014)

SCOs were introduced in the 2007–2013 programming period for ESF in order to reduce the administrative burden on Managing Authorities when implementing ESF co-funded projects and on beneficiaries. SCOs enable also to shift the focus from input to output and results. This thematic paper shares the Italian experience with this tool in the hope that good practices can be taken up by other EU countries when managing ESF projects.

Assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the ESF Learning Networks (03/07/2014)

This summary presents the findings of an evaluation aimed at assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and relevance of the ESF Learning Networks. Findings are based on research undertaken between May 2013 and April 2014.

Youth Employment Initiative and the European Social Fund - ESF thematic paper (31/03/2014)

This thematic paper provides an overview of the European Social Fund's track record in supporting initiatives for combatting youth unemployment and its potential to provide further and better targeted support to young people in the 2014-20 programming period. The brochure furthermore details the legal context, functioning and objectives of the newly launched Youth Employment Initiative which represents substantial dedicated funding to support Member State policies to combat youth unemployment.

This overall synthesis report of the main ESF achievements over the 2007-2013 programming period is based on a review of Annual Implementation Reports delivered by Member States (to extract statistical and other key data and information) and on evidence from evaluations carried out in the respective countries to create a country report organised around 6 policy fields - increasing adaptability, enhancing access to employment, reinforcing social inclusion, enhancing investment in human capital, promoting partnerships and strengthening institutional capacity. Drawing on the evidence presented in these country reports, the overall synthesis report provides a picture of what has been achieved by the ESF. The results reported are generally based on data and evaluations covering the period 2007 to end 2012.

Info graphic: Transparent and effective public services (07/02/2014)

Reducing regulatory and administrative burdens and promoting high standards of transparency, efficency and accountability in public administration helps to increase productivity, strengthen competitiveness and ultimately, create jobs. The European Social Fund (ESF) is a concrete European contribution to national policy reforms in the area of public administration and good governance.

Promoting inclusive growth - ESF thematic paper (31/01/2014)

The changing economic and social climate over the past years has caused a rethink of policies governing the labour market, social inclusion and education. The current emphasis is on anti-crisis, short-term measures aimed at limiting unemployment and reigning in social disparities. Nonetheless, the number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU now accounts for nearly one-fourth of the EU population. The European Social Fund is playing a key role in helping Member States increase employment and skills by training their work force, reducing poverty and cut across bottle-necks in the job market by reforming education and training systems and boosting worker mobility.

A well run public administration system benefits people and business. The ongoing economic challenges mean less money is available for administrative activities: but good governance and legal certainty is central to economic growth. Through support to organisational and technological innovation via improvement of systems, structures and processes, human resources and service delivery, the European Social Fund is helping administrations across the EU rise to the challenge.

The European Social Fund (ESF) supports organisations around the EU to put in place projects aimed at training people and helping them get work. Projects supporting small start-ups with timely funding and companies who want to re-think their approach to their older workers are also funded. In a challenging job market, the ESF helps people make the most of their opportunities.

Info graphic: More jobs, less marginalisation (22/11/2013)

Employment is the most effective way of giving people independence, financial security and a sense of belonging. The European Social Fund (ESF) finances many thousands of projects to help people in difficulties and those from disadvantaged groups to get skills, to get jobs and have the same opportunities as others do.

The ESF finances thousands of projects to help young people get the training and opportunities they need in order to find work. The ESF also helps countries put in place the Youth Guarantee Scheme for the 15–24s.

The Union's cohesion policy – funded with EUR 346 billion from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Cohesion Fund - represents 35 % of the Union's budget over the period 2007-2013. Together with the co-financing provided by Member States, cohesion policy accounts for a very significant proportion of public investment in Europe. As part of the essential economic policy package of macro-economic and fiscal stability, structural reforms and growth enhancing measures, EU cohesion policy is making a significant contribution to investments in employment and growth in Europe.

Final Synthesis Report on Women and Young People - ESF Expert Evaluation Network (01/07/2013)

This synthesis report focuses on the support provided by ESF to women and young people. The main resource used in creating the synthesis report is a set of 10 detailed country reports, 5 focussed on women (DE, ES, GR, PL and UK) and 5 on young people (AT, CZ, FR, IT and PT).

Study of the ESF-Intervention, its set-up and impact in Germany (27/05/2013)

This study analyses the specific contribution from the ESF to the promotion of employment opportunities, education and social inclusion in Germany, based on the experience in the 2007-2013 programming period.

In preparation of the ESF 2014-2020 multi-annual framework, the European Commission organised a learning seminar on setting and adjusting targets for ESF Operational Programmes. To account for expenditures, indicators on outputs (numbers of participants, entities) and results (numbers of participants finding employment, gaining a qualification etc.) are essential. This background paper discusses methodologies for setting and adjusting quantified cumulative employment targets.

In preparation for the programming period 2014-2020 Member States are required to develop performance indicators and set targets for monitoring the implementation and performance of Operational Programmes (OPs). This background paper summarises the main methodologies for ESF target setting and adjusting in OPs in social inclusion.

This second Synthesis Report from the ESF Expert Evaluation Network assesses ESF-supported Access to Employment actions across the 27 Member States on the basis of country reports.

Evaluation of the ESF support to Lifelong Learning (31/07/2012)

This summary relates to a study of the use of the European Social Fund (ESF) to support lifelong learning (LLL) during the 2000-6 and 2007-13 programming periods.

Evaluation of the reaction of the ESF to the economic and financial crisis (21/05/2012)

This Final Report on the ‘Evaluation of the reaction of the ESF to the economic and financial crisis’ provides an assessment of the part that the ESF has played in helping the EU and Member States respond to the challenges posed by the recent recession.

Country Reports N - U: Evaluation of ESF Support for Enhancing Access to the Labour Market and the Social Inclusion of Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (01/05/2011)

Country reports on ESF support for labour market access and social inclusion of ethnic minorities and migrants.

Reports and executive summaries: Evaluation of ESF Support for Enhancing Access to the Labour Market and the Social Inclusion of Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (01/05/2011)

Executive summaries and reports on ESF support to migrants and ethnic minorities, including a Roma Thematic Report.

Country Reports A - L: Evaluation of ESF Support for Enhancing Access to the Labour Market and the Social Inclusion of Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (01/05/2011)

Country reports on ESF support for labour market access and social inclusion of ethnic minorities and migrants.

Final Report, Executive Summaries, Country Monographs and Case Studies - Assessment of administrative and institutional capacity building interventions and future needs in the context of ESF (28/04/2011)

The study aims to provide an analysis of the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of ESF interventions in administrative and institutional capacity building.

Developing logics of intervention and related common indicators for the next ESF Operational Programmes (04/04/2011)

The logic of intervention framework developed by this study is presented in a table format so that Operational Programmes (OPs) can be summarised systematically and in a manner that makes the logical flow of the OP, including the choice of indicators, transparent.

Capacity of the ESF delivery systems to attract and support OP target groups (08/03/2011)

The purpose of this evaluation has been to provide knowledge on how ESF delivery systems work in practice, with a view to improving the capacity of the delivery systems in the Member States to attract and support Operational Programme target groups.

Evaluation of the European Social Fund's support to Gender Equality (24/01/2011)

This Report presents a synthesis of the findings from country-level analyses conducted on each of the 27 EU Member States and on six specific aspects of gender-equality policy, and it puts forward recommendations.

Final report for the ex-post evaluation of the European Social Fund (2000-2006) (10/12/2010)

The ex post evaluation of the ESF (2000-2006) aimed to assess the multiple impacts of ESF programmes.

Special Eurobarometer 350 / Wave 73.5 about the European Social Fund (01/11/2010)

Study on the Return on ESF Investment in Human Capital (01/08/2010)

This study applies to human capital investments understood as public expenditures in: (1) education and training of employees, job-seekers and/or
inactive people, (2) internships and temporary work placement associated
with education or training, and (3) strengthening the capacity of education
and training systems and structures.

Mid-term evaluation of the work carried out by the European Commission to communicate on the European Social Fund (ESF) during the programming period 2007-2013 (30/07/2010)

This evaluation examined the ESF I&C activities/tools undertaken and produced by the EC 2007-2009 and indicated if and how activities/tools were used, found to be appropriate and useful by respective target audiences.

Final report of the ex-post evaluation of the EQUAL Community Initiative (2000-2006) (17/03/2010)

The ex post evaluation of EQUAL was part of the ESF 2000-2006 ex post evaluation.

Eurobarometer survey (01/01/2010)

The majority of Europeans believe the EU can actively help their
countries to recover from the impact of the economic downturn.
According to a recent opinion survey, more and more people are also
aware of the European Social Fund and have their own views on where
Europe should be directing its efforts.

Synthesis of EU 15 evaluation reports on EQUAL during 2007 and 2008 (27/11/2009)

The main aim of this synthesis exercise is twofold: to allow better exploitation of the results of EQUAL in the preparation, management, monitoring and evaluation of future programmes, and to facilitate the post-evaluation of the programme.

Synthesis of EU 10 evaluation reports on EQUAL from 2006 to 2009 (09/11/2009)

This report provides a synthesis of the national evaluation reports of the EQUAL Programmes in the EU10 Member States submitted to the European
Commission within 2006 and 2009.

Evaluation of Article 6 call for projects on the Innovative Management of Change (01/08/2009)

The results of the evaluation are designed to be appropriate for use in policy development within DG Employment and Social Affairs and to animate discussion with Member States and relevant stakeholders about innovative actions and mainstream operations supported by the ESF.